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Senators call for hiring freeze

Posted: Thursday, March 28, 2002

JUNEAU (AP) -- The state Senate officially asked Gov. Tony Knowles to freeze state hiring Wednesday, but the governor does not intend to heed the request.

Senators voted 15-5 in favor of Senate Concurrent Resolution 29, which urges the governor to stop hiring people to fill non-emergency state jobs that are paid for with state general funds. The measure is not binding.

Supporters said the hiring freeze is needed because the state is facing a projected gap between spending and revenues of about $1 billion this year and next year.

Sen. Pete Kelly, R-Fairbanks, said he's not blaming the administration alone for the budget gap.

''We're just saying there's a problem. It requires a management response,'' Kelly said.